Connecticut DSLR & Mirrorless System Photography Workshops

TS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS & MENTORING

Learn Manual Exposure Controls and Much More


INTRODUCTION:

My D-SLR and Mirrorless System Camera photography classes & workshops are fun, informative, and designed to inspire. You'll have the opportunity to learn in-person from a well-published master nature & landscape photographer. These classes & workshops are held locally here in western Connecticut. As you continue to scroll down, I describe a sampling of the Classes and Workshops I currently offer.



MY DSLR WORKSHOPS & CLASSES, AS WELL AS MY BUSINESS MENTORSHIP WORKSHOPS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND. SO PLEASE ... BE SURE TO CONTACT ME FOR AVAILABILITY AND SCHEDULING. THE PHASE I ENTRY LEVEL CLASSES RUN YEAR ROUND, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

ON-LOCATION OUTDOORS WATERFALLS & NATURE WORKSHOPS ARE SEASONAL (MAY-OCTOBER ONLY) AND BY PRE-PAID APPOINTMENT ONLY

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & CONSULTATIONS MUST BE PRE-PAID IN ADVANCE -- NO EXCEPTIONS



CONSULTATION | BEFORE YOU INVEST IN A NEW CAMERA SYSTEM

If you are purchasing a new DSLR or mirrorless system, you can schedule a 30-minute phone or zoom consultation service with me - before you make an investment in a system that might not suit your needs. Frequently people tend to undervalue their potential and purchase camera's with limited functions and a low ceiling. You do NOT need to live locally to me in Connecticut. Pre-buy consultations are available to anyone, anywhere as long as you can be available to chat when I am.

Together, we can review your expectations and match you up with the appropriate photography equipment. You can schedule a consultation with me regardless if you plan to schedule a class or not. I do need to add before we move too quickly, the consultations are not about choosing between and comparing different makes. I don't know every specification, nor do I read each and every written article - or watch every YouTube video channel.

The consultations are for matching you up with the right equipment for what you love to photograph! In addition, please note that strobe/flash - artificial studio lighting equipment, and video capabilities of DSLR-DSLM cameras are not included with my consultations.

I'll send an invoice to you via email to pre-pay. 30-MIN. CONSULTATIONS COST $59.00


PHOTOGRAPHERS BUSINESS MENTORING WORKSHOPS

In addition to my DSLR/DSLM classes & workshops, I offer my experience through mentoring workshops for select photographers who's objectives may include transforming their enthusiasm of photography into an income-generating online operation. This is not inclusive to people that reside in Connecticut, as I am able to do either phone or Zoom meetings regardless of your location.

It does not matter if you desire to sell your pictures as Fine Art wall décor, license your images as stock photography, or you are fine-tuning a portrait or wedding photography business website. There are a wide variety of genres, and an endless amount of hurdles you need to manage in order to reach the next levels of success.

Speaking of hurdles, as an advocate for photographers, I need to be upfront and honest with you from the start. Choosing photography as a career choice, or taking on the task of moving your online business forward will be a challenge. During our initial consultation call, I'll be doing a check-in to see if this is something you really want to attempt to accomplish. Despite what some businesses may be aggressively marketing to wannabe online photo-art sellers, I promise you, it takes a lot more work and background than what they are telling you. I see those marketing ads fly past me on my Facebook feed, as well as Google searches viewing various website platforms for photographers. Finding success will take time.

My personal experiences spanning several decades have helped me establish a flourishing website based Fine Art prints business, sell a staggering amount of JigSaw puzzles through White Mountain Puzzles, Inc., licensed my imagery to be used on popular national TV programs, and have been published in countless magazines, calendars, and news media outlets. My journey began long before YouTube videos and the world wide web were even a thing.

I did get hosed a few times way back in the day by unscrupulous businesses using "photo contest" to lure unsuspecting photographers in to entering their works (transparencies at the time) and others that provided self-serving boiler-plate license agreements giving them open ended usage rights. This is still a commonplace technique to lure you into their web. This is just one of the dirty secrets I've learned, and are a small part of what I pass along to anyone that requires this knowledge.

A high-quality website is of utmost importance, and trust me, not all photographers website platforms are created equally. I go into this in more detail as you scroll to the bottom of the page. There are dozens of photography platform based website choices to choose from, and each of them has their Pros and Cons.

Covered bridge photographic artwork as jigsaw puzzles by Thomas Schoeller Photography

I am in no way, shape, or form in competition with ANY photography websites out there. In fact, I don't "build" websites, or am I very fluent with HTML and writing code. However, I am a client of (2) very experienced and talented website developers that I would be pleased to introduce you to, should you be in need of technical support, or to have a suitable PROFESSIONAL website built for yourself free of gimmicks and deception. One of them is (WideRange Galleries) whom created my custom-built fine art e-commerce website for me to my specifications. It performs flawlessly without the frequent technical issues, errors, and glitches I've experienced for years using other website platforms. This is by far the happiest I've ever been with any website my photography business has been hosted by. Again, I'll be upfront with telling you my personal opinion that WideRange is more specific to more accomplished photographic artist with a verified history of sales, and not for up and coming newbies.

I also hired a professional information technology specialist (IT specialist) does all of my computer maintenance and technical needs - handles my Google platform - host my domains, and has built custom websites (using WordPress) for family & friends alike. In fact, they have even provided technical implementation and website assistance for a few of my mentoring clients that invested in a different website platform (host) prior to allowing me to help them. They've stepped in to diagnose various glitches and issues that pop up all too frequently, and have customized pages on those sites. Of course, if you already have the technical computer skills and are HTML fluent and write code, you are a step ahead!

If this matches the goals you set for yourself, and the kind of experience you'd like to draw from, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page to read more about what I can offer!

Lighthouses of Maine | 2019 Calendar Cover Photo by Thomas Schoeller Photography
Just one example of my licensed & published photographic works for beautiful wall-mounted calendars

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES | BEGINNER TO DSLR & MIRRORLESS COACHING

These can be either 2-hour, or 4-hour sessions that can be scheduled on separate days, or bundled together at reduced pricing. I leave that up to you, depending on your needs. If you need 4 hours, you'll have the option to do them on separate days. It's suggested to try and do this on a Saturday & Sunday..

My Phase I classes are great for SLR beginners - no matter if you are graduating from iPhone cameras or looking for a quick brush-up. It's THE PLACE to start and learn what's going on "under the hood" with any DSLR or Mirrorless system.

The objective is to get you familiar with the manual controls, features, and functions these wonderful cameras have to offer. If you just purchased a new camera, and I have good familiarity with it, this might allow me to go over your camera's menus and try to set you up for your current skill level. ** I am not a videographer and don't shoot videos myself, I won't cross over into the video aspects of your camera's during my workshops **

If your interested in scheduling a class, feel free to CONTACT me! Click here to view Entry-level Class Workshop Gift Certificates.

Individual Phase 1 Classes 2-hours. Cost is $185.00 (per person)

Bundled Phase 1 Classes - Same day 4-hours (special pricing) Costs is $285.00 (per person)


FOR SLIGHTLY MORE ADVANCED DSLR & MIRRORLESS USERS

If you're already comfortable with your camera's controls, and want to begin learning beyond the beginners level, I'll teach you "how and why" when selecting the appropriate aperture settings, ISO, and shutter speed to achieve desired results. My objective is to get you more confident changing exposure settings, so you can get out there and begin shooting subjects you love while learning the desired effects as you see them.

I'll show you how to use the back-focus control - if your camera has one. We'll go over both manual focusing and auto-focus techniques, and just as important, I'll show you how each metering mode works and what's best to choose for your subject! I can also go into different filters you may need to use that attach to the front of your lenses, such as Polarizers and Neutral Density filters. In addition, if you aspire to shoot landscapes and scenes with water (seascapes and waterfalls) I'll be happy to go over your needs so you can acquire the right tripod and ball head combination.

There is no minimum or maximum number of instructional classes you can take. Phase I Beginners classes are priced by the length of time allotted.

** It is important that I tell you that since I am a professional photographer working in nature for landscapes, abstract, and semi-abstracts, I do not use artificial light (strobes/flash heads) ** I use natural available light for ALL of my work, and use tripods for longer exposures while metering correctly on the subject. I do not teach people how to use or set up their camera systems for strobes/flash units.

Guided outdoors waterfalls & streams excursions are scheduled between May and September. I highly recommend to put aside at least 2.5 - 3 hours for this class. If waterflow conditions are not conducive for a workshop, I won't schedule classes. Please scroll down further on this page to learn more about my outdoors nature classes, and the costs.




LOCATION FOR PHASE I ENTRY-LEVEL INSTRUCTIONAL CLASSES

All indoor classes take place in New Milford, CT. I will provide directions only after you schedule and pre-purchase your class.


REQUIREMENTS

Workshops are strictly for DSLR or DSLM Mirrorless cameras with full manual exposure controls and interchangeable lenses. (No iPhone cameras, iPad cameras, or compact consumer digital cameras) You should bring your DSLR | DSLM camera, along with a lens, charged battery, a memory card, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm! Also, be sure to bring your camera's manual! I do not know every specific camera's menu or auto-focusing system in and out, in fact, no one does!

I also want to add that my coaching workshops & classes are intended for adult users, and not children. I get asked every-so-often if I teach kids, and I don't by choice.

Why Attending a Workshop or Class in Person is Preferable

Truth be told, "simply owning" an advanced camera & good lenses doesn't make anyone a photographer. Just as owning a hammer doesn't make anyone a carpenter. Acquired knowledge, applied skills & proper technique are more important than anything else. There are definitely benefits to attending in-person workshops!

Camera phones don't have advanced capabilities, no matter how hard they try and tell you so. Learning how to MAKE a photograph, and not just take one, separates a photographer from point and shoot snapshots


Rule #1 - The camera doesn't take the photograph, the operator does.

The most important step you'll take is learning how to use your camera when you take it off "Auto" mode. Essentially, leaving any camera on full auto mode virtually turns it into nothing more than a camera phone. You have all that wonderful technology at your fingertips! Your not under any pressure to become a professional photographer, most people enjoy it as a fun hobby. However, you'll have a lot more fun using more of the advanced features and taking much better images as a result.

In-person classes allow you to ASK questions at any time, or ask the instructor (me) to go over something you didn't fully understand. You can watch a talking head on YouTube videos all day long - each time you scroll back, they'll repeat the same thing! I provide "real time knowledge" for people that really want to learn photography.

Under my guidance, you'll take control, step-by-step, of your camera's functions. This is a service that I've provided for many years, and it is well worth the effort and small investment. To inquire about scheduling a workshop please CONTACT me.



CHANGES TO MY GUIDED OUTDOORS NATURE WORKSHOPS

You may be familiar with the guided workshops if you've ever visited my site in the past. I've made some adjustments to what I previously called my Guided Connecticut Outdoors Nature Photography Workshops. I used to take people to shoot landscapes just about anywhere. Moving forward, the traditional 4 hour Guided Outdoors Nature excursions in Connecticut will no longer be offered. Instead, I'm focusing Phase II outdoors nature technique classes on Waterfalls.

The reason why I've cut back my outdoors workshops is this. I had placed a great deal of pressure on myself trying to accommodate people, and to try and make conditions perfect. Constantly stressing over idyllic conditions - like planning amazing sunrises & sunsets each and every time we'd head out. (Its impossible) Connecticut, despite the subtle beauty of our Litchfield Hills, simply does not have the unlimited outdoors opportunities compared to states like Utah, Montana, Maines rugged coastal region, or even Vermont's idyllic world-class rural character.

In addition, I've grown increasingly frustrated when arriving at destinations to find they have been abruptly closed to the public, or discover the State of CT has decided to collect fee's for parking! So many gorgeous old farms and rustic barns, that I've had permission to visit and explore over the years have either been sold, developed, or fenced off with No Trespassing signs. This is especially true since the whole Covid ordeal, where properties have either been sold off, or aristocratic city-dwellers have relocated to idyllic rural estates.

Fortunately, we DO have some outstanding waterfalls up here in the NW corner of Connecticut and they make great subjects in which to take beautiful images while learning techniques.

Campbell Falls is one of the Berkshires most picturesque cascades | As it tumbles down the steep cliffs it makes ethereal swirls in the grotto below

Straddling the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut, Campbell Falls is one of the Berkshires most picturesque cascades.


WATERFALLS & STREAMS | REQUIREMENTS & EQUIPMENT

This workshop is open to ALL skill levels, however, specific gear is necessary to make long exposures for capturing silky smooth ethereal water.

Beside your camera body and a few lenses, you'll need a tripod and a circular variable neutral density filter. For the best results, I also recommend to obtain a remote shutter release cable (or electronic shutter release) which allows you to be "hands free" and not introduce camera shake while making exposures. Entry-level DSLR cameras work fine as long as you can make manual adjustments to your ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed settings.

Keep in mind, the waterfalls workshops will likely require an early start to the day if the forecast is for sunny skies! Direct sunlight on water is not appropriate lighting for waterfalls and streams. If we get started just before sunrise, we'll likely have 2.5 to 3 hours to work with. If we're lucky enough to have overcast conditions, a sprinkle of rain or misty conditions, we can photograph the scenery as long as time allows.

Waterfall Technique classes are on-location and start at $300.00 for 2.5 hours. To inquire about scheduling a class please CONTACT me.

Fine Art Luxury Art Edition Sage's Ravine Waterfalls Photography Prints | Berkshire County Massachusetts scenics

LUXURY ART EDITION - the haunting beauty of Sage's Ravine covers a distance of nearly one mile and includes various waterfalls and cascades throughout. The Ravine Brook drops an elevation of around 690' and is encased within a deep forest of hemlock's and mixed hardwoods. Chiseled rugged hillsides make for a strenuous hike to access many of the most alluring falls and hidden pools.

I photographed this scene in early May to capture the lush, verdant foliage and it's primordial feel.

Waterfall workshops are SEASONAL! If the conditions are acceptable, I begin around early May and conclude around late October. Be sure to CONTACT ME for availability.



LANDSCAPE COMPOSITION & PORTRAIT TECHNIQUES

SPRING KICKOFF BEGINS @ LAUREL RIDGE FOUNDATION DAFFODIL DISPLAY

I teach on-location outdoors "Landscape Composition & lighting" classes, and natural light "Portrait Technique" classes around the end of April on-location near Litchfield CT at the Laurel Ridge farm daffodil fields. The blooms tend to peak for a period of about 3 weeks, and can begin anytime from mid to late April or even be delayed into May. It all depends on how long old man winter decides to linger.

These classes are not limited to weekends, in fact, most take place after 5:30 pm M-F. There are far less visitors during the week, and those that do venture here tend to leave well before sunset. The sunsets at this location in the spring are often pretty amazing!

Laurel Ridge Foundation Field of Daffodils in scenic Northfield Connecticut | Beautiful Litchfield County Fine Art Nature Photography prints by Thom Schoeller

The Laurel Ridge Foundation in Northfield Connecticut is home to Litchfield Counties annual Daffodil blooming festival. Featuring gentle rolling forested hills, stone fences, and a serene pond, this is one of Connecticut's most impressive spring views.

Laurel Ridge is a wonderful place to learn the art of landscape photography! It's a beautiful rolling and partially wooded landscape with ample stone walls, mature Maple trees, a gorgeous pond surrounded by hills, and nearly 18 acres of wild growing daffodils (4 species in all) I enjoy this location for several reasons including the fact it's easy to get to, there is ample parking, and you can incorporate foreground, midground and a distinct background in the compositions.

This workshop is open to any skill level, however, to learn how to attain great depth of field in your photos (sharpness front to back) you'll need a tripod and ball head. Water resistant footwear is a plus as we might need to venture into some ankle-deep soggy conditions to gain access to a few cool spots. This workshop is limited to a maximum of (2) people at any time. The owners of the foundation have been kind enough to allow visitors to explore for as long as I remember, and I prefer to keep our "footprint" as small as possible and allow other visitors personal space and quality time here.

I've also done many portrait sessions here over the years for families and couples. It's a great location, not only for learning landscape techniques, but to work on portrait techniques for beautiful family photos and people portraits!

Spring Landscape classes at Laurel Ridge last @ 2.5 hours for $250.00

To inquire about scheduling a class please CONTACT me



OUTDOORS | NATURAL LIGHT PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES

Equipment

If you desire to learn "advanced" natural light outdoors portrait photography tips & tricks, I can help you! This is a very specific genre' that concentrate only on portraiture with natural available light. There is no reason to choose an exotic location to do this either.

Before we jump in and schedule classes, if you are currently using an entry-level DSLR camera, you may be disappointed to find they have some limitations when used outdoors. Most entry-level cameras don't include the necessary tools and advancements in face and eye-recognition, autofocus technology, ISO range and Spot metering ability. Aside from the camera body itself, there are lenses that work far more appropriately for portrait photography (I get into that more as you read further)

If you were in an indoors studio setting with a static subject and controlled lighting, you can employ a tripod and use manual focus techniques - so using an entry-level SLR would work just fine. However, it's very unlikely your using a controlled indoors studio when you are photographing people. Outdoors natural lighting portraits are much more challenging, especially since you'll be shooting hand-held and your subject is active. Having more modern updated equipment will make a world of difference.


Recently, makers like Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, and Nikon have developed auto-focus technology that is mind-blowing. You don't have to be a fulltime Pro to enjoy what the newer technology offers. In fact, you do NOT have to purchase the flagship model mirrorless or SLR body to obtain this game-changing ability. Your "hit rate" for in-focus shots will rise dramatically. I'd be happy to provide a consultation if you would like to talk over the options.

LENSES

Also, I should note that the "kit lenses" that often are included with slightly older entry-level SLR camera's are not suited for portraits. Kit lenses are usually zoom lenses with "variable" apertures that close down as you zoom out to longer focal lengths. These lenses usually start out with an F/4 aperture which isn't terribly bad, but they incrementally step down to F/5.6 and F/6.3 as you zoom out to longer focal lengths.

For making effective portrait images with sharp subjects and out of focus backgrounds, you'll need lenses with fixed apertures that stay open up to F/3.5 or wider. You'll see from my sample portrait above, wider apertures give you full control over your subjects sharpness (what is in focus) and that beautiful creamy blur (bokeh) in the foreground and background.

Natural Light - On Location Classes

The portrait classes I teach do not involve the use of artificial light (flash) however, I do have reflectors we can use to bounce natural light back onto your subject. I'll be showing you techniques you can put to work immediately that can make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. If you are interested in the portrait technique classes, you need to bring along someone to model for you. If you have kids, a husband or wife, good friends, anyone will do! Please be sure to CONTACT me in advance to schedule your class!

Natural Light Portrait Classes last @ 1.5 hours for $185.00


LIGHTROOM CLASSIC EDITING CLASSES

The final touches on your imagery should always take place using Lightroom, and Lightroom Classic is the editing software I have the most experience with. I can provide 1-on-1 hands-on Lightroom Classic classes for anyone that needs to develop their own post processing workflow and to learn to make proper adjustments to make their imagery POP.

Depending on your experience, Lightroom Classic can be daunting. As a photographer, I have very few uses for Adobe's Photoshop software - and I primarily use Lightroom for 85% or more of my post-processing work. Lightroom is for photographer's and is a spectacular editing tool. By comparison, Photoshop's primary purpose is aimed at graphic designers & architects. I once read a blog that said Photoshop should rename itself "Photo-Graphic-Design and Animation". I'd say that's not only pretty accurate, but rather clever!

I'll keep the class simple yet thorough, stopping for any questions along the way. It is FUN to see your imagery come to life once you begin to master all of the tools that Lightroom Classic has to offer! The classes can last about as long as you need, however I prefer to cap it off between 2-3 hours. It all depends on how quickly you pick it up. If we need more time or you have more specific goals with photo editing, I'd be happy to schedule a follow up.

Before you schedule your Lightroom Classic class with me, be absolutely sure you've installed the latest update on your machine! (I do NOT install software programs for you) Adobe provides a cloud based plan that combines both Classic and Adobe's Photoshop. It's available as a Desktop or Mobile version.

If you have any older pirated Adobe editing software on your machine, you won't be able to purchase or download Adobe's product. I'd be happy to assist you with your Lightroom Classic training if installed on a laptop (MacBook Pro) or from my own Desktop. I do NOT teach editing from smart phones.

LR Classic Classes Costs - 2 hrs. for $200.00 | 3 hrs. for $300.00



PHOTOGRAPHY MENTORING WORKSHOPS I ADVOCACY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

So, let's pick up where I left off near the top of the page and discuss more about my mentoring workshops. The concept first came to life way back around 2005. I already was teaching DSLR workshops from my home studio at the time deep in the woods in northwestern Connecticut. Being an advocate for photographers I thought, since I had gained so much experience with clients purchasing prints, and I've been licensing my work for use in national magazines and calendars, I had more to offer than just teaching people how to use their cameras.

There were NO websites that were teaching photographers anything about the business and marketing, as best that I know, I was the only one in my region doing this. Sure, I saw the occasional "adult-ed" programs that were teaching basic photography skills, but never did I see anyone (accomplished pro photographers) that took fellow photographers under their wing.

THE EARLY YEARS

This is something that began from my strong feelings for being an advocate for fellow photographers. I began doing 1-hour informal seminars and picked a photography related business topic for discussion, for FREE. I would do maybe 3 or 4 of these per year, and photographers really enjoyed them and asked tons of questions. To get the word out, I made flyers and would post them in a radius of about 20 miles or so in Supermarket entry's, hair salons, coffee shops, anyplace that had foot traffic. I had room for about a dozen or so people, sometimes I had 2 or 3 call me to confirm, a few times I had a full room!

As time progressed, I had to rent a location with a conference room, and of course pay rent. I asked those that attended to split the rental fee of the room when they arrived, which they did happily. I still made NO profit, but I felt good about giving back to those with far less experience, as I benefitted from professionals way back in the beginning.

Things organically continued to grow, probably around 8 years ago I began to try to put something a bit more comprehensive together that is now Fee based, and help them by teaching Search Engine Optimization, keyword density, Meta titles, Meta descriptions, getting quality back-links - and so forth. Also, if you already have a website, I am able to do diagnostics on your current site to check how fast your site loads (Speed Check) since Google will slap you if your site is slow, a traffic analysis to see how many people visit your site, an SEO Checker to identify issues and see what kind of SEO score your site has (these differ depending on the source - however it gives me a snapshot) and I can do a back-link checker.

FIRST UP - WE CHAT TO REVIEW YOUR NEEDS

Most importantly, we'll need to exchange emails or set up a call to review your personal needs and expectations. What genre of photography do you work in? How long have you been doing this? Not only do you need to trust me, I need to know if I am a good match for you, and I am knowledgeable of your interest. For instance, you may have a current website that is not well suited for your business structure. As I stated near the top of the page, I am first and foremost an advocate for photographers and will NOT point you down the wrong trail. During our initial consultation, I want to be absolutely certain this is the right choice for you! I'm not going to make shallow promises that you are going to be the next Peter Lik. I've even told some people that have contacted me I don't feel they are ready, at this point, to make the big leap.

There are so many site platforms out there to choose from, each one comes with a different setup cost, annual hosting fee, commissions, and other built in fees (a serious consideration). Each one has a list of Pros and Cons. I have good familiarity with most, but not all of them. However, I don't provide reviews or public feedback on any of them. Some site platforms lean heavily towards e-commerce & print sales, while others are great fits for photographers that provide a service. I'm also very aware (and unfortunately so) of website platforms that are well known for their hyper aggressive sales pitches and sketchy marketing strategies that lean heavily on paying for social media ads. You'll need to weigh things out if you don't already have a website of your own, and figure out what site will work best for you.

POD's and Third Party Websites

If you are leaning towards selling photo art, I am NOT a fan of using POD's (Print on Demand in bulk) sites that "seem to" take care of everything for the artist. The same can be said for websites that charge you transaction fees, and are top-loaded with astronomical setup costs.. That being said, if you are using membership based website like (but not limited to) FineArt America, Zazzle, Society6, or Gooten. I'm not able to assist you at the level of service you deserve since POD's are useless if you are serious about building your own brand. POD websites merely provide an "illusion" of having your very own website, when in reality, you get lost amongst the tens of hundreds of thousands of artists competing on the same platform for sales!

To truly succeed, you need your own personal website and not become a "member" of one. This way you can do SEO, collect email addresses via a newsletter list via a pop-up form, create pages on your website to tell your story, explain what you do, have a contact page that goes directly to your inbox, use a competent blog, and show samples of your work. If you've had some success with print sales using POD's that I mentioned above, that's probably a good sign that its time for you to move to a website of your own, and start collecting the full amount of income you deserve.


*Non Affiliation Disclaimer* Thomas Schoeller Photography, LLC. is an independent business and is not affiliated with as an employee, connected to, or authorized by any websites or businesses I have mentioned by name on this page. I have used their names for reference only*


When you do begin to research a website, it's urgent that you'll have access to a control panel where you can fill out SEO fields, place script into the header to activate third party utilities (email marketing) set up to collect state tax, Delivery fees, create pages, and utilize a real blog. Most importantly, you absolutely must have the ability to enable direct contact with prospective buyers through a dedicated contact page!

RESEARCH - RESEARCH

As I said earlier, I found personal happiness with the current website platform I am on (WideRange Galleries) being its a great fit for advanced professional fine art photographers that SELL prints, books, lead workshops, etc. However, it may not be the right choice if you haven't yet reached the point of being a verified seller. There are many solid options for you to consider if you are looking for a website.

Again, I don't personally provide thorough reviews, but here's a pretty good article I found online that made a comprehensive list of their "best website choices" to build an artist website with. If you were to choose from their list, or already use one of them, the IT company that I hired for my own needs (external websites) has the technical experience to assist you in building out virtually any website on that list. It would also be fair to mention that Wide Range Galleries was not mentioned in that article, most likely because WRG is intended for far more advanced and successful photographers wanting an upgrade to a high-end crème-de-la-crème website

ORGANIC GROWTH IS KEY

I can tell you at this very early stage of your progress that growing a web business does not happen overnight. I've found that social media "in doses" can help, particularly if you are providing a service. For photographers that want to market their imagery as prints, social media will lead to frustration as well as watching your accounts get drained for the ads you run.

The plan I have implemented for myself, and those that I've coached is founded on organic growth, and teaching you good SEO skills. Why SEO? Here's how it works. SEO helps search engines like Google - Bing- Yahoo, etc. connect your website with the persons using the search engine by determine how appropriate it is for whatever they searched for. The better your SEO is constructed, the better your page ranking and site authority can be. Thus, your chances increase that someone will find and then visit your website.

As part of my mentoring, I will teach you all about optimizing Meta title tags, meta descriptions, keyword density, and using proper heading tags if your website provides the fields to use. My intent is never to have you become 100% reliant on having me fill out all of your SEO meta and constantly paying for that. Instead, I prefer to show you how, I'll also provide additional links for you to bookmark, and within a few weeks you'll be proficient.